L.e.a.d. program
“Law Enforcement Against Drugs”
What is it?
The Mahwah Police Department (L.E.A.D) program Law Enforcement Against Drugs and it L.E.A.D trained Officers are proud to work and collaborate within the Township School District. The L.E.A.D program is an anti-drug curriculum designed to promote positive, pro-social, attitudes and behaviors, while fostering healthy relationships, resistance to substance abuse and conflict, and resistance to negative peer pressure and influence primarily targeting 5th grade students as well as a subsequent 7th grade program.
Mahwah has several L.E.A.D. Officers which play an instrumental role in not only educating students, but forming a strong partnership among the police, schools, parents, and children. By teaching students the good decision making skills they need to avoid high-risk behavior, L.E.A.D. training helps to ensure they grow up healthy, safe and secure. The skills that students learn through this program are important life lessons that will stay with them as they mature.
“To celebrate graduation from 5th grade L.E.A.D each year students are treated to a Pool Party at our Municipal pool featuring DJ entertainment, food and fun while interacting with LEAD officers and parent chaperones.”
L.E.A.D. is just one aspect of a multi-faceted approach to student outreach taken by the Mahwah Police Department. Officers regularly visit elementary and middle school students, bringing with them interactive learning stations and workshops about Halloween safety, crime scene and fingerprint demonstrations, cyber bullying and social media and the internet to name a few, which are meant to educate while also forming a familiarity with police. The Department also hosts each summer a week-long Youth Leadership Academy for grades 8-11 on the campus of Ramapo College as well as a six day Junior Police Academy in partnership with the Mahwah Municipal Alliance each summer to deliver a multi-faceted approach over a broad spectrum of values and opportunities to various school age groups while engaging with Police Officers of the Department.
